WBHS 1st XI vs Mount Albert Grammar School
The first day of the penultimate Championship match against Mount Albert Grammar School proved to be a fascinating contest with 24 wickets falling on the day. MAGS were bowled out for 101, with Cooper Spiller knocking over the top order with 2/3 while Wesley Sleep took 5/8 off 5 overs with his ultra-slow change ups.
Westlake were in early trouble at 30/5 and struggled to 115 all out, thereby winning the first innings. Opener Adam Baard carried his team’s innings with a superb 50, while Ryan Doubell clobbered a quick 27. The day ended with MAGS on 30/4, after Cooper Spiller had another excellent bowling spell with 3/14.
The second day saw Westlake bowling out MAGS for 73, with Cooper Spiller ending with 4/16 and some run outs causing the damage. Despite a setback at 13/2 chasing a total of 60, Captain O’Donnell made a sparkling 32* to lead the team to a 7 wicket outright win.
This result has given Westlake an unassailable lead on the Championship table. Irrespective of the result of the last game against St Kentigern College, Westlake have won the Auckland Two Day Championship, for the thirteenth time. However, what is more impressive has been winning all three titles this season, making it the most successful season in the history of Westlake 1st XI Cricket. This historical milestone has been an outstanding team effort from the Coaches, Ryan Scivier and Aaron Watson and assistant Brad Emslie to the astute captaincy of William O’Donnell.
The team now have the opportunity to break another cricket record as they prepare for the National tournament in Christchurch later in the year.
Two Day Champions: Front (L to R): Adam Baard, Luke Ranson, Ryan Doubell, Wesley Sleep, Keegan Russell. Middle (L to R): Ryan Quinn, Ryan Schierhout Back (L to R): William O’Donnell ©, Cooper Spiller, Ross ter Braak, Angus Nicoll, Ben Beecroft. Absent: Angus McKenzie